Rumors we heard back then were of a T Bone Burnett-helmed new album, with lots of guest stars and a mix of Imposters and Sugarcanes playing.

Good rumors, those: Costello's new Burnett-produced album National Ransom, captured here at Sound Emporium and in Los Angeles, is set for release on November 2 Stateside, and it features a host of Nashville heavy-hitters and longtime Costello collaborators.

Included in the credits list for the set: Music City luminaries Vince Gill, Buddy Miller, Jerry Douglas and Dennis Crouch, along with Imposters/Attractions Steve Nieve and Pete Thomas and Imposters bassist Davey Faragher, among many other contributors.

While plenty of country- and bluegrass-friendly instruments appear on Ransom, Costello's press folks say fans should expect more of an R&B and gospel mood.